Totaled 4R in CO, how do I maximize the insurance settlement from Progressive?

[denverunner]

So, Progressive totaled my 4R without so much as looking at it. It was totaled for two reasons: 1. condition is no-start 2. vehicle is more than 10 years old.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/115053-grrrr-thieving-bas-s-insurance-totaled-my-4r.html

My thread has more detail, but here's my dilemma... I've never had a vehicle "totaled" in the past, so I'm not sure how this is all going to play out. Some people have told me to research and print ads for similar model/year vehicles to support my argument for an increased settlement. That sounds like good advice.... Any other suggestions?

Second: When a vehicle is totaled, they take your deductible plus the salvage value out of the settlement amount, right? If so, what do you think a typical 3rd gen 4r would fetch at salvage auction? Mine is a 98, 5spd, sunroof, leather, 139k.

Third: anything else I should be paying attention to or researching before the estimator comes knocking on my door?

 

[scottyb]

If you have any friends at the dealerships they can access the Manheim auctions where dealers go for vehicles to give you accurate data on how much 98 4runner's go for near Denver. One of my old roommates did that for me a few years ago.

FWIW there's a 98, 5speed SR5 at the Pull & Pay in Colorado Springs with tan interior. I grabbed the front diff a few weeks ago so I'm not sure the current condition but it may have something you need for cheap.

Sorry to hear about your situation, good luck with the insurance!

 

[SJC]

Dont let them take your car

 

[denverunner]

SJC - I'm not letting them take the vehicle, just trying to maximize my claim. ( I re-read my post and I see how it could sound like that)

scottyb - thanks for the headsup on the 4r in the springs. I don't have any friends that work for dealerships at the moment, but I'll ask around....

 

[Burt]

I had a light truck totaled (stolen) by my insurance company about 15 years ago. They basically give you book value unless you can prove it was in better than average condition. They will also give some extra $ for any aftermarket options permanently installed. You will need receipts and pics always helps.
DO NOT endorse check until you are satisfied with settlement. The title will also be transfered to insurance company. They are essentially buying your vehicle.
You could reject the settlement and repair yourself as an option if you insist on keeping it. Insurance company will not take a loss repairing it, so the total it.
Hope this helps. I have a replacement rider on my 4Runner.

 

[blizz86]

well the main reason that we ended up with a new 4runner was nearly the same as this

2008 camry LE declared total (structural dmg, etc)

we went ahead with the decision because we knew fixing it would have been hell, and the adjuster came out and appraised the car. try to be there with them and point out everything good about the car (new tires, wheels, any upgrades or mods)

when they decide on the amount, they will get back to you with the settlement amounts and calculations and a list of recently appraised cars with the same specs (at least it was like this for me) for you to compare your given value with. do not be afraid to say you didnt get enough
for example: they declared dealer installed alloy rims at 3xx when they were worth 4xx, we werent satisfied with it and called to let them know. they increased the wheels' value to 4xx and some other bumps (nearly new tires: bought last summer, etc etc)

if you decide to keep it, try to get an estimate before settling on the refund

 

[denverunner]

good to know, thanks for all the input.

The estimator came today and wrote up his report on the cost to fix it, or return it to pre-theft condition. Estimate totals out at $4700 before my $500 deductible. I think theres a VERY good chance they will definitely total it. good news is that it hardly costs anything to fix it on my end arty: